ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Jaye Q. -- multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer -- grew up in a middle-sized city named Kalamazoo, Michigan. It all begin at age 3 when Jaye Q. would pull out his mom’s pots and pans, take them to his bedroom and beat on them as if they were drums. By the age of seven he was playing with a Chicago-based jazz band and being snuck in to the clubs by his father. People always wondered who was sitting behind the drums when all they could see were sticks flying in the air. At 8-years-old, inspired by his father, he began playing the piano and discovered the beauty of melodies and chords. He wrote his first composition and started on the path of becoming a composer. Jaye Q. never had much patience for lessons because he felt confined and uncreative. He is self taught and plays by ear but does have an appreciation and understanding for music theory. During this period he started impersonating Michael Jackson at local fashion shows and talent shows where he placed first. He ventured into modeling for a while doing print work for Kellogg’s pop tarts and TV commercials for Texas instruments. By age 14, he started learning the guitar and had already performed professionally as a percussionist on Aretha Franklin’s album titled, “Aretha.” After playing drums for several different theater shows and touring in Michigan, he started to focus on writing and singing his own compositions. He spent his last two years of high school at The Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts where he studied music and developed into a skillful arranger, composer, musician, and vocalist. After graduating, his passion and love for music led him to California.In 1996 he started his own label and put out his debut album entitled, “Sensual Thoughts,” which was produced, arranged, composed, and performed by him. The album was a small success and a huge personal one. In 2001 he joined an R&B group called “Shakespear Jones” which later became “Forbidden.” While with the group he toured Japan as a drummer and back-up singer leading to a signed deal with Priority records. Like most groups in the business the album never got released. In 2004 he teamed up with Michael Kreple, Joe Drock, and Patrick L. LaTouche, forming the “JQ Band.” They released their debut album "Funky World Order," performing at the following venues: Viper Room, Key Club, House of Blues, and BB Kings. The JQ Band opened up for Shanice Wilson and Jon B. at the Rumba Room where they were asked to perform on a regular basis. Since then Jaye Q. has grown into an entrepreneur, opening Q-ball Studios where he offers a multitude of music services: composing/producing for up-and-coming artists, and writing TV tracks for Tone Deluxe Co. In conjunction with his business, he's releasing his long overdue Soul/Funk/Jazz double CD, which will be internationally distributed in December of 2009.

Jaye Q. offers a great mix of soul, funk, jazz, dance...you name it, it's on this album. The versatility in his voice makes every track enjoyable. Even the tracks you would consider "radio friendly" are loaded with subtle vocal and musical choices that make them stand out. I'm bored with the radio playing the same five songs every hour. This double CD is a breath of fresh air!

of good stuff on this CD. There are soulful slow jams, dance tracks, funk numbers and hip jazz tunes on this double-disc. There's heaps of originality and imagination here but it's all really enjoyable... nothing artsy or weird.

Jaye Q’s new album shows his wide range of ability and is simply refreshing. Whatever mood you are in at the time, you can either dance or just sit and get into the groove with this music. The song "Partytown" is a great tune for dancing. Likewise, on the Soul-Jazz side the tune "How Long" is outstanding and the musicians are great.

I can't tell you how refreshing it is to hear an artist with true raw talent! When I first heard the double Cd, I thought why so many songs and could they all be different. Jaye Q. defintely opened my mind up to music again. He has a fresh blend of some R&B, Funk and Jazz. I really enjoyed this Cd and have it in rotation in my car. Jaye Q. set the standard for 2010.

This double CD is really off the hook! The first CD is a combination of funky soulful R&B and the second is more on the funky jazz side and I mean the real deal...no sissy jazz here. The variety is amazing... all the musicians outstanding and Jaye Q's voice...funky comadina!

I adore his ballads. I mean seriously when is the last time an artist spoke the truth and told a beautiful intimate story.I'm so tired of R&B singers braggin about their manhood and claiming to be king in the bedroom. Jaye Q has mystery and is very clever with his choice of words....not to mention a great voice and amazingly talented. Thank you for bringing real music back Jaye Q and best of luck to you.....

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